Lucasfilm has just announced a December 18, 2015 release date for Star Wars Episode VII. This confirms what we've heard about a "late 2015" release for the film, and it comes as rumors swirl about internal disagreements over when to release the movie. This will be the first core Star Wars film to be released outside the month of May and the only film so far to be released outside the spring/summer season. (Star Wars: The Clone Wars was released in August 2008.)

Check out the full press release below.

Star Wars: Episode VII to Open December 18, 2015November 07, 2013

With pre-production in full-swing, a confirmed release date of December 18, 2015, has been set for Lucasfilm's highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII.

"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture," said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek) and is being scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, with Tommy Harper (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Jack Ryan, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin, War of the Worlds) serving as executive producers. John Williams is returning to score Star Wars: Episode VII.